Morton-area voters have a choice between two candidates for position 2 on the Lewis County Fire District 4 (LCFD4) Board of Commissioners in the November election.
The candidates are Roger Smith and Christopher Grantham.
The candidate who wins the election will serve a six-year term on the board.
The Chronicle sent each candidate the same five-question questionnaire with a request to keep their responses to about 75 to 100 words per question.
Responses have been lightly edited for spelling and grammar.
Roger Smith
Can you talk about your background and how your experience qualifies you for this position?
I have been a Morton resident for the past eight years and I am presently retired. Since November of 2021, I have filled the position of commissioner two for FD4. I was appointed to fill the term of Gerald Klepach, who passed away in 2021. I also volunteer at the local food bank. I attended grade school, high school and one year of college in the Seattle area. In 1977, I started my own business and was involved in the following industries: health care, corrections, pharmacy and the aquatic therapy industry.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
After my appointment to the commissioner position, we have had many successes as a team at FD4. We have purchased gear and equipment for the station and the volunteers. We have worked with a team from WSU to gain information regarding a replacement building for our outdated facility. We are presently working with our State Representative Peter Abbarno and Sen. John Braun to help with a grant from the state to fund the replacement of our building. What we have accomplished as a team can move forward much easier with continuity of personnel. I am asking for your vote.
What, in your opinion, are the primary issues facing LCFD4 and how do you intend to address them if you’re elected?
1. The biggest concern for FD4 is the outdated (80 years old) building. We need to explore all avenues of finance short of having to burden the taxpayers.
2. We need to have a pleasant and comfortable place to work, as well as emergency capability should we have a disaster. We currently have no emergency housing.
What sets you apart from your opponent in this race?
Thirty-plus years as a business owner.
Christopher Grantham
Can you tell me about your background and how your experience qualifies you for this position?
I was a long-time volunteer for Lewis County Fire District 4 beginning at the age of 18 and I have been a small business owner. I have seen first-hand the needs of the district in the form of equipment and volunteer retention. I want to bring my ideas and vision from a citizen and volunteer point of view to help support the quality and functionality of LCFD4.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
Giving back to the community that has raised me brings me so much fulfillment. I wanted to give my support to LCFD4 in a way that benefits the whole district from the volunteers to the community that LCFD4 serves.
What, in your opinion, are the primary issues facing LCFD4 and how do you intend to address them if you’re elected?
The need for a new modern facility that was built to be a fire station and equipment. I would handle it by looking into every funding opportunity I could find and seek support from the community.
What sets you apart from your opponent in this race?
I believe that my history in the area and the amount of time I have spent volunteering and supporting District 4 makes me the best candidate for commissioner. I have enjoyed giving back to the community that raised me.
Is there anything else that voters should know about you?
I hope to accomplish seeing the fire district move forward with a more modern facility and equipment. I’m ready to serve the community as LCFD4 commissioner with dedication and diligence.
